_edited.png)
When most people hear the term "permaculture," they tend to envision a straightforward vision of sustainability and self-sufficiency - but it takes quite a bit of creativity to make that vision a reality.
As a permaculturist, coming up with solutions that work with nature rather than against it requires out-of-the-box thinking. Take water catchment systems, for example. Instead of relying on water pipes, why not collect rainwater with an inventive system of gutters and barrels? Or consider natural pest control - instead of petroleum-based pesticides, why not attract helpful insects or plant companion crops to ward off unwanted ones? The list goes on and on - permaculture emphasizes finding both environmentally friendly and efficient solutions that often require some serious creativity. So don't be fooled into thinking permaculture is just about having a garden - it truly takes a creative mind to make it thrive.
Most people think that to be creative, you have to be intelligent. However, research has shown that this is not the case. Once you get beyond an I.Q. of about 120, intelligence and creativity are no longer related. This means that even if you are not as bright as most people, you still have the potential to be very creative.
So why are so few people highly creative? Because there are bad habits that crush the creative pathways in the brain, people learn as they grow up. And like all bad habits, they can be broken if you are willing to work. Here are eight of the worst bad habits that could be holding you back daily.
1. You Don't Question Assumptions
The first step to being more creative is learning to question assumptions. Most people take the world around them at face value and never stop to think about why things are the way they are. For example, why do we have a five-day workweek? Why do schools start in September? Why do we drive on the right side of the road?
If you can start questioning the status quo, you will open up a new world of possibilities. Once you see that things don't have to be how they are, you can devise creative solutions to problems that have always seemed insoluble.
2. You Don't Take Risks
Another bad habit that stifles creativity is a fear of failure. Most people are so afraid of failing that they never try to do anything new or different. They play it safe, sticking to the tried and true because they don't want to risk looking foolish.
However, you must be willing to take risks to be more creative. You need to be willing to put yourself out there and try new things, even if you might fail because it is only by taking risks that you will achieve anything significant.
3. You Don't Break the Rules
Most people live their lives by a set of strict rules. They color within the lines, never deviating from what is "normal" or "acceptable." But if you want to be more creative, you must be willing to break the rules. It would be best if you were willing to color outside the lines and do things differently.
4. You Don't Daydream
When was the last time you sat down and daydreamed? If you can't remember, then it's been too long. Daydreaming is essential for creativity because it allows your mind to wander and explore new ideas.
5. You Don't Make Time for Creativity
Most people think that creativity happens like a bolt of lightning. But the truth is, creativity is something that you have to work at. It requires time and effort to cultivate.
If you want to be more creative, you must make time for it. You need to set aside time each day to work on creative pursuits. Whether writing, painting, or brainstorming new ideas, you must give yourself the time and space to be creative.
6. You Don't Collaborate
Creativity is often thought of as a solo pursuit. But the truth is that creativity thrives in collaboration. When you work with others, you are exposed to new ideas and perspectives. This can help you see problems in new ways and come up with creative solutions you never would have thought of on your own.
7. You Don't Take Breaks
When most people work on a project, they push through to the finish. But if you want to be more creative, you must take breaks. This doesn't mean that you should stop working altogether. But it does mean you should take time each day to step away from your work and clear your head.
8. You Don't Practice
Creativity is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. If you want to be more creative, you need to practice. This means trying new things, even if you're not sure you'll be successful. It means making time for creativity each day. And it means being willing to fail.
9. You Don't Believe in Yourself
One of the biggest roadblocks to creativity is a lack of self-confidence. If you don't believe in yourself, creating anything new or different won't be easy. But if you can learn to think in your abilities, you will be amazed at what you can achieve.
10. You Don't Take action
Creativity is not just about having good ideas. It's also about taking action on those ideas. If you want to be more creative, you need to start implementing your ideas. This means taking risks, stepping outside your comfort zone, and being willing to fail.
These are just some of the bad habits that stifle creativity. If you learn to avoid them, you will be well on becoming more creative.
